Community bands together for survivors of KY fire

A tight-knit community is banding together to support a family that suffered a horrific loss. A mother and eight children of the Watson family died in a house fire nearly two weeks ago. The father Chad Watson and 11-year-old daughter Kylie made it out but are still at Vanderbilt. Although their conditions have been upgraded to stable, a huge showing of support continues for the family.

Last week, The Band Perry took care of the family's funeral expenses. Now, Jagoe Homes out of Owensboro has offered to build Chad and Kylie Watson a new home. It has not been determined if it will be at the same site as the fire.

"To be there and see what they endured that night and to see two people actually make it out of the residence to me is unreal," said Greenville Police Chief Darren Harvey. "It's phenomenal. It's hard not to associate your family to the scene."

As the first person at the fire, Harvey said he's holding his own loved ones extra tight.

"I've spent a lot of time looking at these pictures here lately," Harvey said, motioning to his family's pictures on his desk.

Two weeks ago, Harvey arrived to find Chad and Kylie Watson standing outside as their home burned.

"It appeared they both suffered severe burns on their hands," said Harvey.

Mother Larae and eight children passed away in a blaze officials said was started by an electric heater.

"After checking the residence the best we could, it was confirmed nothing could be done," said Harvey.

Since that night, what was once a simple line of roses has expanded into a huge display with flower petals frozen in ice and teddy bears buried in snow.

With word of both Chad and Kylie Watson's health continuing to improve at Vanderbilt, more and more messages of support have emerged around the community while donations to the family flood into area banks.

"Their spirit and their commitment to each other and their family, it's very uplifting for the community," said Harvey.

If you would like to contribute, donations may be made at any Old National Bank location. The account name is Calvary Baptist Church, Watson Family Fund.

A benefit account for the Watson Family has also been set up at First National Bank of Muhlenberg County. Visit any First National Bank and donate to the Watson Family Donation account.

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